Page 38 of The Surgeon's Secret

Warmth spread through her chest at Lexi’s thoughtfulness. She’d never realized how much she wanted such simple gestures—they made her feel like she was the most important person in the room, like everything she did mattered.

“It’s nice,” Catherine admitted, her voice soft. “It really is.”

Lexi sat back down, her chair creaking slightly under the shifting weight. “I know things are complicated, but I want you to know I’m here. Whatever you need, whatever you’re feeling—I’m here for you.”

Catherine met her gaze, and for a moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them. The chaos of the past—the break-up, the accident, everything—felt like a distant memory. Right now, it was just Lexi, quietly offering her care in the most simple, beautiful ways.

“I know,” Catherine whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “And I…I don’t know how I could get through this without you.”

Lexi’s smile softened, her eyes shining with something unspoken. “You’re stronger than you think. But I’m not going anywhere, Catherine. Not now. Not ever.”

Catherine closed her eyes briefly, her heart swelling in her chest. She didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, she felt hope for something better—something that was hers, something she didn’t have to hide.

“Thank you,” she said again, this time with more sincerity, her voice barely above a whisper. “For everything.”

Lexi’s fingers brushed against Catherine’s hand again, this time lingering a little longer. “Always.”

19

LEXI

Later that day, Lexi found herself waiting again outside the office with the plaque that read “Dr. Josephine Mars, Head of Hospital.” She needed to catch up on the paperwork she’d missed that morning. But would she get the chance to share the secret that had been weighing her down?

As she waited, the office door opened and out came a little girl, about five years old, with reddish-blonde curls and freckles across her nose. Behind her was an older man. Lexi’s eyes drifted up to his face. He was wearing a dark, immaculate suit. As soon as Lexi saw his face, she felt like she was looking at a ghost.

It was him—Dr. Benjamin Mars, her father.

At the same time, Benjamin spotted her. His eyes focused on her face, and he looked once, twice, narrowing his gaze. Lexi knew what he was seeing. She looked like her mother, Rebecca. But with his eyes. Of course he’d recognize her.

Josephine followed him out of the office and scooped up the little girl, kissing her on the cheek. “Sweetheart, I love you so much. Have a lovely day with Grandpa. I’ll see you later. Give Mommy a kiss from me.”

“Of course I will, Mama! Can’t wait for mud pies later!” The charming little girl giggled and squeezed her mother’s hand.

Benjamin was still staring at Lexi. What would he do? He had a choice to make, and Lexi wasn’t sure whether she wanted him to make the right one.

Finally, he approached her and held out his hand. “Alexis?” he asked, looking into her eyes. His eyes were blue like hers and Josephine’s, but his other features were unfamiliar. Lexi looked so much like her mother in every other way, it was no wonder he’d recognized her so easily.

Lexi hadn’t planned for this. She hesitated, but eventually took his hand and shook it. It was warm, his skin showing the signs of age. These were the hands that had saved countless lives. Lexi wasn’t sure if he still practiced, but he’d achieved legendary status in his field, and that had always inspired her. He was the reason she’d chosen neurosurgery, but she’d never told anyone that except Catherine.

“It’s me,” Lexi said shyly. She released his hand.

“You look so very much like her,” he said quietly, and Lexi nodded.

Josephine joined them. “Dad? Have you already met Dr. Bond?”

Lexi wasn’t sure what would happen next. Would Benjamin say he was her father? Would Josephine tell him?

Benjamin cleared his throat. “Josephine, can we use your office for a moment?”

Josephine looked surprised, but quickly regained her composure. “Of course. Dr. Bond, Dad…please, come in.”

Josephine led them into her office and pulled out an extra chair so they could all sit around her big desk. Lexi noticed the family photos on Josephine’s desk—photos of her wife and the little girl. Josephine’s wife had the same red hair as their daughter.

“Well, what is it?” Josephine asked, clearly knowing what was coming but not wanting to say it out loud.

Benjamin took a deep breath and began to speak.

“Josephine, I don’t know exactly how to tell you this, but a long time ago…”

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